HomeMy WebLinkAbout04.27.26 PRAB Packet - REVISEDAGENDA
All agenda times are approximate
I.APPROVAL OF AGENDA (2 mins)
II.MATTERS FROM THE BOARD (15 mins), Page 2
A.Procedural Items
i. Induct new members (5 mins)
ii. Welcome new members (5 mins)
iii. Officer elections (5 mins)
III.FUTURE BOARD ITEMS AND TOURS (2 mins), Page 3
IV.PUBLIC PARTICIPATION (15-30 mins)
A.This portion of the meeting is for members of the public to communicate ideas or
concerns to the Board regarding parks and recreation issues for which a public
hearing is not scheduled later in the meeting (this includes consent agenda). The
public is encouraged to comment on the need for parks and recreation programs and
facilities as they perceive them. All speakers are limited to three minutes. Depending
on the nature of your matter, you may or may not receive a response from the Board
after you deliver your comments. The Board is always listening to and appreciative of
community feedback.
V.CONSENT AGENDA (5 mins), Page 4
A.Approval of Minutes from March 23 and March 31, 2026, Page 5
B.Updates from the Director of Parks and Recreation, Page 10
C.Parks and Recreation Operations Updates, Page 10
D.Parks and Recreation Planning, Design and Construction Updates,
Page 13
VI.ACTION ITEMS
A.None
VII.MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION/INFORMATION
A.None
VIII.MATTERS FROM THE DEPARTMENT (90 mins), Page 18
A.Consult Civic Area Naming Process (30 mins)
B.Budget 101 (60 mins)
IX.MATTERS FROM THE BOARD, Page 41
A.PRAB Handbook Public Comment Amendment
B.PRAB Matters (verbal)
X.NEXT BOARD MEETING:
A.May 18, 2026
Parks & Recreation Advisory Board
Fully Hybrid Meeting
6:00 p.m., April 27, 2026
Boulder Parks & Recreation
Advisory Board Members
2026-2027
Channing Benson
Andrew Bernstein
Yvonne Castillo
Dana Riess
Jennifer Robins
Michael Schreiner
Kyra Siegel
Mission Statement
BPRD will promote the health and
well- being of the entire Boulder
community by collaboratively
providing high-quality parks, facilities
and programs.
Vision Statement
We envision a community where
every member’s health and well-
being is founded on unparalleled
parks, facilities and programs.
Goals of the Master Plan
1.Community Health and Wellness
2.Taking Care of What We Have
3.Financial Sustainability
4.Building Community
5.Youth Engagement
6.Organizational Readiness
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3198 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80304 | www.boulderparks-rec.org | O: 303-413-7200
TO: Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
SUBJECT: Matters from the Board
DATE: April 27, 2026
A.Induct new members (5 mins)
B.Welcome new members (5 mins)
C.Officer elections (5 mins)
Current nominations for PRAB Officers for the 2026-2027 term:
•Chair: Bernie Bernstein
•Vice Chair: Jenny Robins
Other nominations may be made during the PRAB meeting on April 27 before voting occurs.
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PRAB Future Board Items Agenda
May June July
Fully hybrid for members, staff and
community.
Fully hybrid for members, staff and
community.
Fully hybrid for members, staff and
community.
Regular Mtg
(c)
1) ATB1 – Adjustment to Base
2) Summer Operations
3) City Council Updates
4) Downtown Development Authority
5) Courts Update – East Boulder
Community Park & Tom Watson
1) Civic Area Nature Play updates
2) Valmont Park Signs
3) East Boulder Community Center
Update
4) Courts Update – East Boulder
Community Park & Tom Watson
5) Chautauqua Update
1) Courts Update – East Boulder
Community Park & Tom Watson
2) Barker Park Refresh
3) 2027 Budget Process
Regular Mtg
(a)
PRAB Handbook Public Comment
Amendment
1) Harbeck-Bergheim House Lease
2)Recommended Renaming for Civic
Area
Regular Mtg
(d/i)
Harbeck-Bergheim House Lease
Regular Mtg
(md)
1) Recommendation on Civic Area
Renaming Resolution
1) 2027 Budget – review of proposed
budget as submitted to EBT,
significant revenue or fee changes,
Capital Improvement Program
2) Inform on Chautauqua Concept
Plan Update
3) Civic Area East Bookend P3
1) SAMPS Overview
2) Consult on Future of Parks
System Overview: Kick-off and
Process
Regular Mtg
(mb)
1) Inform on East Bookend RFI/RFP 1) CIP Tour scheduling
Other Mtgs
or Topics
May 14: City Council Study Session:
Financial Forecast, LTFS Update and
Ballot Measures
Mid-June: City Council: LTFS and
Ballot Measure Check-in
Late June through mid-July: Council
Summer Recess begins
Dept Events
& Items of
Interest
Early May: Scott Carpenter Lap Pool
opens for shoulder season
Memorial Day weekend: Outdoor
Pools open
Bill Bower interpretive area opening
celebration
Arts in the Park
AGENDA SETTING
The PRAB Chair, PRAB Vice Chair and BPR staff set the agenda for the next month on Thursday directly following the regular PRAB
meeting. PRAB members can submit agenda requests to the Chair and Vice Chair by Wednesday following the PRAB regular meeting
for consideration. If time-sensitive matters arise, PRAB Chair and Vice Chair may amend the agenda as needed.
LEGEND
Action Item (a): A public hearing item to be voted on by the Board (public comment period provided).
Procedural Item: (p): An item requiring procedural attention.
Consent Item (c): An item provided in written form for consent, not discussion by the Board; any consent item may be called up by any
Board member for discussion following the consent agenda.
Discussion/Information Item(d/i): An item likely to be a future action item (or council item) and/or that benefits from an in-depth
discussion.
Matters from the Department (md): Items that will be reviewed and discussed during the meeting but not requiring as much in-depth
analysis.
Matters from the Board (mb): Items initiated by the Board that will be reviewed and discussed during the meeting but not requiring as
much in-depth analysis.
City Council Item (cc)
Other Boards and Commissions (obc)
Community Engagement and/or Events (e)
Holiday/Closure (h/c)
Italics indicate a tentative date or plan.
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TO: Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
FROM: Alison Rhodes, Director of Parks and Recreation
Bryan Beary, Senior Manager, Community Building and Partnerships
Mark Davison, Senior Manager, Planning
Denise Dawson, Senior Manager, Urban Parks
Jackson Hite, Senior Manager, Business Services
Matt Gazdik, Acting Senior Manager, Recreation
Scott Schuttenberg, Deputy Director
Erynn Simone, Senior Manager, Regional Facilities
SUBJECT: Consent Agenda
DATE: April 27, 2026
A.Approval of March 23 and March 31, 2026, Minutes
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CITY OF BOULDER
BOULDER, COLORADO
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS MEETING MINUTES
To listen to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meetings in their entirety, please go to the
following link: www.boulderparks-rec.org
Name of Board/Commission: Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
Date of Meeting: March 23, 2026
Contact Information Preparing Summary: Clarisa Collins; 720-564-2147
Board Members Present: Bernie Bernstein, Yvonne Castillo, Jennifer Robins, Michael Schreiner,
Kyra Siegel
Board Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Jennifer Bandoni, Bryan Beary, Clarisa Collins, Tina Dalton, Denise Dawson, Kate
Hernandez, Jackson Hite, Stacie Hoffmann, Shihomi Kuriyagawa, Megann Lohman, Jake Minden,
Charlotte O’Donnell, Chris Passarelli, Matt Pilger, Ali Rhodes, Scott Schuttenberg, Bill Wildenberg
Guests Present: Chris Ranglos, Tucker Horsch
Type of Meeting: Regular
Agenda Item 1: Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:03 p.m. A quorum was present for the conduct of business.
A motion to approve the agenda was made by Bernstein and seconded by Castillo. The motion
passed 5-0.
Agenda Item 2: Future Board Items and Tours
Rhodes, Director of Parks and Recreation, reviewed upcoming items, including:
• March 31 PRAB study session on recreation facility investment scenarios.
• April 9 City Council study session on the citywide facility portfolio.
• Anticipated May discussion on 2026 ballot measures.
• East Boulder Community Center reopened following maintenance closure.
• Seasonal operations underway for summer programming.
Bernstein noted his upcoming absence from the March 31 study session.
Agenda Item 3: Public Participation
In-Person Speakers:
• Don Bergal (Boulder Tennis Association): Raised concerns about delays to the East
Boulder Community Park (EBCP) racquet court project and impacts to the Austin Scott
Tournament.
• Catherine Sundvall: Spoke regarding Boulder Botanic Gardens at Hogan-Pancost.
• Alia Ghandour: Expressed support for new tennis courts at EBCP.
• Mary and Eric Durham: Commented on Hogan-Pancost annexation, land use and potential
botanic garden and sculpture park.
• Judith Dack: Shared feedback on North Boulder Park, including appreciation for community-
responsive planning and concerns about ballfield orientation changes.
• Mike Stabler: Raised concerns about costs and maintenance at South Boulder Recreation
Center pickleball courts.
• Grace Thomson (BOCO Pickleball): Discussed EBCP court delays, maintenance needs and
North Boulder Park planning.
• Caren Phillips: Commented on North Boulder Park elements, including ballfields and
playgrounds.
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• Chief Phillip Whiteman Jr. (Northern Cheyenne): Spoke on the cultural significance of the
Hogan-Pancost site and a proposal related to ancestral land.
• Nicole Schabus (pooled time): Supported consultation and consent related to the Hogan-
Pancost site and tribal interests.
• Christine Brescoll: Commented on public participation time and South Boulder Recreation
Center.
• Heather Smith: Raised concerns about EBCP tennis court delays and tournament impacts.
• Mo Siegel: Expressed concern about lack of dedicated pickleball courts and past project
delays.
• Mary Sznewajs: Commented on discussions in the February PRAB meeting.
Virtual Speakers:
• Zach Maiorca (BOCO Pickleball): Discussed EBCP delays and advocated for dedicated
pickleball courts.
• Robert Batchelder: Commented on Hogan-Pancost as a public park.
Board members had the following questions and comments:
• Board members asked clarifying questions related to procurement processes, including open
bidding requirements.
• Questions were raised regarding land use considerations at Hogan-Pancost, including the
relationship between proposed court development and potential botanic garden uses.
• Board members inquired about how BVSD courts are considered in community supply.
• Staff shared that updates to public comment procedures must first be reviewed and approved
by the City Attorney’s Office and have not yet been implemented.
Agenda Item 4: Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes from February 23, 2026
• A motion to approve the consent agenda was made by Schreiner and seconded by
Bernstein. The motion passed 5-0.
B. Updates from the Director of Parks and Recreation
C. Parks and Recreation Operations
D. Planning, Design and Construction Updates
• Board members asked clarifying questions related to summer hiring efforts.
Agenda Item 5: Action Items
A. None
Agenda Item 6: Matters for Discussion/Information
A. None
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Agenda Item 7: Matters from the Department
A. Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Review
Chris Ranglos and Tucker Horsch presented this item.
• Board members emphasized including recreation centers as community hubs, improving
measurability within the Parks and Recreation section, strengthening community outreach,
and incorporating long-term planning concepts such as mixed-use spaces and 15minute
neighborhoods. They also highlighted the importance of beginning the document with a
land acknowledgment
B. North Boulder Park Renovation
Bill Wildenberg and Shihomi Kuriyagawa presented this item.
• Board members asked clarifying questions about prior community engagement and if staff
had followed up with the Teens on plan refinements. They also asked about the need for
ballfield adjustments, how drainage and user needs were balanced, and the schedule for
implementation. Additionally, staff confirmed that the park renovation will include more
trees, nature play elements and other site improvements.
C. Court System Update (East Boulder Community Park and Tom Watson)
Jake Minden and Tina Dalton presented this item.
• Board members asked clarifying questions about process following annexation, project
timelines, funding and phasing, restroom availability, and community concerns regarding
communication and pace. They also emphasized the importance of maintaining flexibility to
balance planned court development with potential alternative uses such as the Hogan
Pancost Botanical Garden concept.
Agenda Item 8: Matters from the Board
A. PRAB Orientation/Mentoring
• The Board discussed upcoming onboarding and mentorship for new board members.
B. Chair & Vice Chair Selection Process
• The Board discussed the Chair and Vice Chair selection process that will occur at April’s
meeting.
C. PRAB Matters (verbal)
• Castillo raised concerns about a student proposed reflexology walking path at Harlow
Platts, asking about the approval process and long-term maintenance, and staff will
provide an update in April’s consent agenda. Castillo also asked for clarification about
Chautauqua Courts donation.
• Schreiner asked for information on the proposed Downtown Development Authority and
PRAB’s role.
• Robins shared an update that PLAY Boulder has formed a development committee,
including ideas such as donor supported tree gifts, with a meeting planned next month.
Agenda Item 9: Next Board Meeting
• March 31, 2026 – Virtual Study Session
• April 27, 2026 – Regular Meeting (Hybrid)
Agenda Item 10: Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 9:36 p.m.
Approved by: Attested:
________________________ ________________________
Jennifer Robins Clarisa Collins
Board Member BPR Staff
Date: ___________________ Date: ___________________
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CITY OF BOULDER
BOULDER, COLORADO
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS MEETING MINUTES
To listen to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meetings in their entirety, please go to the
following link: www.boulderparks-rec.org
Name of Board/Commission: Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
Date of Meeting: March 31, 2026
Contact Information Preparing Summary: Clarisa Collins; 720-564-2147
Board Members Present: Yvonne Castillo, Jennifer Robins, Michael Schreiner, Kyra Siegel
Board Members Absent: Bernie Bernstein
Staff Present: Bryan Beary, Clarisa Collins, Tina Dalton, Mark Davison, Matt Gazdik, Jackson Hite,
Stacie Hoffmann, Kate Hernandez, Megann Lohman, Chris Passarelli, Ali Rhodes, Scott
Schuttenberg, Erynn Simone
Guests Present: Michele Crane, Joanna Crean, Kristin Sealy, Leana Evenson
Type of Meeting: Special / Study Session
Agenda Item 1: Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:06 p.m. A quorum was present for the conduct of business.
Agenda Item 2: Items for Discussion
A. Facility Funding Scenarios Presentation
Ali Rhodes and Michele Crane presented facility funding scenarios for Boulder’s three recreation
centers: North Boulder Recreation Center, East Boulder Community Center and South Boulder
Recreation Center.
• The Board discussed key considerations, including costs, funding gaps, environmental
impacts, and community input.
• Board members emphasized that maintaining current service levels across all three facilities is
a top priority and expressed no support for options that would reduce service levels.
• Aquatics access was identified as a major community priority. The Board raised concerns that
reducing pool access could negatively affect equity and conflict with environmental goals,
particularly if it results in increased travel and traffic.
• Board members noted that some scenarios did not clearly communicate the value of proposed
improvements and recommended more clearly articulating community benefits.
• At 7:26 p.m., the Board unanimously agreed to extend planned adjournment to 8:30 p.m. to
allow for further questions and discussion.
Board Feedback
• Investment in all three recreation centers is essential, with aquatics identified as a critical
community need. Reducing pool access at any site may disproportionately impact children,
seniors and those with limited transportation, while undermining climate and equity goals.
• Planning should account for both best- and worst-case funding scenarios, including exploration
of public-private partnerships and alternative funding strategies. Public dialogue should remain
constructive and grounded in accurate information.
• The community’s interest in maintaining and expanding services across all three centers was
affirmed, alongside the need to plan for Boulder’s long-term population growth and aging
demographics.
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• A system-wide, equity-focused approach should guide decision-making, with community needs
driving outcomes. Concerns were raised that South Boulder scenarios lack the same level of
innovation as those for North and East, and that data presented to Council should include full
context to avoid misrepresentation.
• The Board supported the recommendation to further study the options to determine feasibility
for major investments in all three recreation centers.
Agenda Item 3: Next Board Meeting
Next Board meeting:
• Monday, April 27, 2026 – Hybrid
Agenda Item 4: Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 8:26 p.m.
Approved by: Attested:
___________________ ______________________
Jennifer Robins Clarisa Collins
Board Member BPR Staff
Date: ______________ Date: _________________
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B. Updates from the Director of Parks and Recreation
On Thursday, April 9, 2026, City Council participated in a Study Session to discuss the
city’s Facilities Investment Strategy. Materials from that meeting are available online
here. The discussion focused on the scope and condition of city-owned facilities, with a
focus on 15 buildings in critical condition. The presentation included a highlight on the
three recreation centers, which are included in that list of 15 buildings in critical
condition. The discussion by City Council will inform the May 14, 2026 Study Session
where the council will receive the current Financial Forecast and explore potential 2026
Ballot Measures.
C. Parks and Recreation Operations Updates
Forestry
The Arbor Day Foundation has recognized the City of Boulder with the Tree Cities of the
World designation for the seventh year in a row. Boulder is one of 283 cities from 24
countries recognized, and one of 59 cities in the U.S. Boulder, Denver and Fort Collins
are the only recognized cities in Colorado. The international program celebrates cities
that meet core standards for the care and planning of urban trees and forests. To
achieve recognition, the city met the five core standards: establish responsibility, set the
rules, know what you have, allocate the resources and celebrate achievements. The
vision of the Tree Cities of the World program is to connect cities around the world in a
network dedicated to sharing and adopting the most successful approaches to managing
city trees and forests. More information is available at Tree Cities of the World.
The Tree Cities of the World program is built off the success of the Arbor Day
Foundation’s Tree City USA program, which has provided recognition to cities within the
United States for 50 years. In addition to the Tree Cities of the World designation,
Boulder has been named “Tree City USA” for 42 consecutive years.
Boulder Forestry is celebrating Arbor Day with events in April and May. Boulder Forestry
staff teamed up with the PLAY Boulder Foundation to give away 300 tree seedlings to
Boulder community members on Saturday, April 18 at Boulder Farmers’ Market. Several
planting events are also planned with Bear Creek Elementary school and volunteer
groups.
Parks and Recreation Drought Plan
This update provides information on 2026 water supply and demand conditions and
the city’s drought stage determination procedures as set forth in the citywide Drought
Plan. The city declared a Drought Watch on April 1, which involves voluntary
reductions in water use throughout the community. In compliance with the city Drought
Plan, Boulder Parks and Recreation (BPR) will update its department drought plan.
The current departmental drought plan is over ten years old. An update will ensure the
department is implementing leading practices in urban park management in the west
during periods of water supply concerns.
In 2022, the City of Boulder updated its Drought Plan, which is used to guide drought
recognition and response. The Drought Plan defines Drought Alert Stages according to
drought severity and recommends actions to be taken to respond to each stage. The
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Utilities department provided the Water Resources Advisory Board (WRAB) a water
supply update for the April 20, 2026 meeting; that full update is available here. In the
memo the various drought stages are explained:
The Drought Plan includes a formula called the Projected Storage Index (PSI) that
is used as an indicator of droughts that will affect Boulder’s water supply. The PSI
is a ratio of key storage parameters to projected demand. Staff apply the formula
each year in early May when relevant water supply information becomes available.
The Drought Alert Stages and corresponding PSI values, which are derived from
modeling of Boulder’s water system, are shown in Table 1 below.
PSI Drought
Alert Stage
Annual Citywide Water
Demand Reduction
Goals
Response Overview
As
Conditions
Warrant
Watch - Water conservation is encouraged. This is
a pre-declaration communication tool to
raise public awareness of conditions.
0.85 to 0.56 1 Up to 20% Limitations are placed on lower-priority
outdoor uses.
0.55 to 0.41
2
Up to 30%
Additional limitations are placed on
lower-priority outdoor uses to allow
higher-priority uses.
0.4 or Less
3
Up to 50%
Additional limitations are placed on
outdoor water uses; some indoor use
limits may be required to prioritize health
and safety.
Table 1. Projected Storage Index, Drought Alert Stages and Demand Reduction Goals
(City of Boulder Drought Plan, updated 2022)
The WRAB update also indicated that thresholds for Drought Stage 1 are expected
to be triggered. Utilities staff anticipate a Drought Watch and voluntary reductions in
water use to help preserve water supply as dry conditions continue.
Utilities staff will continue monitoring drought, water supply and demand conditions
throughout the summer, adapting community messaging as needed to meet
conservation goals. BPR will update its department drought plan that follows the
requirements of the citywide drought plan while also recognizing the health and
wellness benefits parks provide. In addition to modifying public land management
practices during a drought, the city will continue to implement leading practices in
waterwise urban park management and consider how park design and development
can supporty water supply management.
Thunderbird Lake Status Update
Community members may notice low water in Thunderbird Lake in Admiral Arleigh A
Burke Park. This body of water was constructed prior to 1918 as a reservoir to hold
water for livestock. It was previously fed by a tile drain that now has houses built on top
of it. The site has been evaluated multiple times over the past decade to assess lake
conditions and identify options for maintaining water levels. Current conditions reflect
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two compounding factors: ongoing regional drought and a policy decision made more
than 10 years ago to stop supplementing lake levels with dechlorinated potable water.
That decision was made following a comprehensive review of available options and was
supported by elected and appointed officials based on economic and environmental
sustainability considerations.
Due to prolonged drought conditions and the absence of supplemental potable water,
water levels at Thunderbird Lake have continued to decline. Without significant
investment in infrastructure and/or additional resources, this trend is expected to
continue.
Staff continue to implement routine maintenance and water quality management
practices at the site, including:
• Application of microbes to manage algae blooms (every two weeks, April through
September)
• Vegetation management to support maintenance/view corridors
• Maintenance of aeration systems to support water quality
• Removal of noxious weeds in upland areas
Some community members have expressed concern about impacts to fish in the water.
Recent observations indicate that the fish in the water appear to be illegally released pet
goldfish. Goldfish are a non-native and invasive species in Colorado and their release
into natural water bodies is prohibited.
Staff will continue to monitor conditions at the site.
Summer Pool Operations
BPR will make several adjustments to outdoor pool operations for the 2026 summer
season. Scott Carpenter Pool will open on May 15 for lap swimming, with leisure pools
and features opening May 23. To align staffing with demand (expressed through
visitation), the outdoor lap pool season at Scott Carpenter is expected to end around
September 20. Leisure pool operations will shift to weekends only after August 11 when
students return to school. Spruce Pool will operate Memorial Day weekend through
Labor Day weekend, with modified hours after school resumes.
These changes reflect a data-informed approach to outdoor aquatics, concentrating
service during peak demand hours while reducing costs during historically low-
attendance periods. These summer pool operations are designed to align operating
hours with available budget while maximizing community access and overall usage.
Users who relied on early morning or extended evening hours at Spruce Pool, or
shoulder season access at Scott Carpenter, are encouraged to explore alternative
options including BPR's indoor aquatic facilities. Staff will closely monitor attendance,
pass usage, and community feedback throughout the season, and that information will
directly inform operational planning for 2027.
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D. Parks and Recreation Planning, Design and Construction Updates
The following information is intended to provide the PRAB with relevant updates on
specific projects as they reach major milestones. This section is not all inclusive of all
current projects and only illustrates major project updates. For a complete list of all
current projects and details, please visit www.BoulderParkNews.org.
Overview of Major Projects
Staff continue to work on the following projects and will update the PRAB as major
milestones are achieved, as outlined in Table 2:
Projects Status Next 2026 PRAB
Milestone
System Planning
Park System Plan Overview Planning October
Park & Facility Renovation Plans
Boulder Junction Park Design Q4
Chautauqua Updates Design June
Civic Area Renovation and Renaming Design April
East Boulder Community Center Renovation Design Q3
North Boulder Park Renovation Design Q4
Pearl Street Renovation Design Q3
Primos Park: Opening a New Park Design September
Barker Park Renovation Design July
Park Asset Management
Bill Bower Park: Interpretive Area Completed April
Boulder Reservoir: ADA Dock Replacement Construction Q3
East Boulder Community Park: Racket
Courts
Design Q3
Tom Watson: Pickleball Courts Permitting Q3
Valmont Park: Signs Design October
Table 2. Overview of Major Projects
Bill Bower Park Interpretive Area
The Bill Bower Park Interpretive Area is a donation-based project sponsored by the
Admiral Arleigh Burke Chapter (AABC) of the Military Officers Association of America
(MOAA). The project goal was to include an interpretive display to honor Bill Bower’s
service as a World War II military hero and active community leader who lived in
the upper Table Mesa neighborhood for many years. The interpretive sign and propeller
blade sculpture shown below were installed the first week in April to complete the
construction of the donated Bill Bower Interpretive Area. The donors with support from
the Parks Construction Team installed the irrigation, planting beds, concrete flatwork,
and interpretive feature footings this past fall. The donor, MOAA, will hold a private
dedication on April 18. A family-friendly public celebration will be hosted by BPR in the
summer, once the new vegetation beds shown below are established.
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Photo 1 (left): Interpretive Sign and Sculpture at Bill Bower Park
Photo 2 (right): Vegetation beds as part of the Interpretive Area at Bill Bower
Harlow Platts Reflexology B(e)ar(e) Foot Path
At the March meeting, a member of the PRAB requested more information about a
proposed walking path at Harlow Platts Park. This update provides a brief project
overview and status update.
A local high school student proposed the idea of a reflexology path for Harlow Platts
Park. Like the Bill Bower Park Interpretive Area, this project was initiated by a
community member but is not identified in the six-year work plan. Community-initiated
projects are strongly aligned with BPR’s department plan, which encourages
partnerships for park improvement, and guided by BPR’s External Funding Strategy.
Projects are considered for the community needs they could meet and are contingent on
fundraising for the installation and long-term maintenance. A limited number of projects
are advanced each year based on feasibility and staff capacity.
A donor interest form and donor worksheet have been completed by the applicant. The
applicant is also working on a website, social media, statistics and case studies, a
community flyer, petition, presentation and fundraising for the project. Additionally, the
applicant has conducted several outreach efforts within her school and local community,
including tabling at the SBRC Re-Opening celebration in (November 2025). The target
audience for the path is all ages.
Staff are in the process of reviewing project feasibility, evaluating potential
implementation sites and identifying a timeline for installation. Once a cost estimate and
timeline have been determined, a donor agreement will be facilitated by the PLAY
Boulder Foundation to ensure funding milestones are met before the project moves
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forward. The PRAB and the community will be updated once a concept design has been
confirmed.
The proposed project name B(e)ar(e) combines “Barefoot” and “Bear.” “Barefoot”: the
activity itself. “Bear”: honors Boulder’s wild spirit and natural beauty. Photos 3 and 4
below show examples and potential benefits, as provided by the applicant.
Combined image: Example Reflexology Track next to a Diagram of the Benefits of Reflexology
Photo 4. Diagram showing benefits of reflexology Photo 3. Example reflexology track
Courts Update
Tom Watson:
Updated site plans were submitted to the Planning and Development Services team for
review by early May. If approved with this submission, the Tom Watson Courts Project
will proceed to construction with an anticipated groundbreaking in late May.
In prioritizing delivery of the pickleball courts, staff are focused on constructing the 12
lighted pickleball courts, three court shelters, and the walkways immediately adjacent to
the courts.
The estimated construction timeline is approximately five to six months, allowing for a
November opening. The following Figure 1 shows the proposed site plan for Phase 1
improvements.
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Figure 1: Site plan showing the updated limits for Phase 1 of the Tom Watson
Courts Project including 12 pickleball courts and adjacent concrete walkways
The next phase of the park project will include additional amenities that support the park
as a whole and the pickleball courts, including:
•Replacing the permanent restroom (the current facility is closed due to
condition; in the meantime, the site will be supported with portable restrooms)
•Replacing the shelter attached to the permanent restroom with a Community
Gathering & Food Truck Area
•Repaved and Expanded Parking
•Replacing the Play Area; current play area is 23 years old, and due to its poor
condition, the playground requires high levels of maintenance to be safely
used.3
East Boulder Community Park:
East Boulder Community Park (EBCP) currently has five courts. The three courts on the
west side will be converted to six dedicated pickleball courts. The two existing courts on
the east side will remain dedicated tennis courts. An additional eight outdoor tennis
courts are planned for the southern portion of EBCP, the property formerly known as
Hogan Pancost.
The southern portion of EBCP was acquired by the city in 2019 for stormwater and flood
management, parkland, and open space purposes. The land was previously outside of
city limits and needed to be annexed before courts could be built on a portion of it. The
annexation process was approved with a unanimous vote by City Council at the public
hearing on Feb. 19, 2026
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Staff have received communication offering ideas from the community about a Botanic
Garden and Indigenous Cultural Center at the recently annexed property. Staff will
continue to engage with those interested and work to help structure these ideas into a
proposal. If a proposal is submitted, it will be reviewed and considered through the
department’s partnership program for feasibility.
Staff continue to actively monitor the site’s ecological conditions to support overall
environmental well-being, with a focus on wetland health and wildlife activity. This
includes professional groundwater monitoring and wildlife observations in 2026 to
ensure this project balances the natural land and active recreation needs of our
community’s health and wellness.
The Request for Proposals (RFP) for the East Boulder Community Park Racket Courts
project was posted in early April. A consultant is expected to be selected by mid-May.
Staff are meeting with colleagues from Planning and Development Services (P&DS)
through a pre-application process to discuss permitting requirements and opportunities
for efficiency. More information on the project's construction schedule is available on the
City of Boulder project webpage.
Harlow Platts Park (SBRC):
The multi-use courts at the South Boulder Recreation Center are in poor condition. While
the best long-term solution is to completely rebuild them with a post-tensioned concrete
slab, that investment should wait until decisions are made about investments in the
South Boulder Recreation Center. In the short-term, the city has identified funding to
resurface the courts and is working to schedule repairs for 2026. Users will receive
appropriate notice before work begins.
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TO:
FROM:
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
Alison Rhodes, Director of Parks and Recreation
Bryan Beary, Senior Manager, Community Building and Partnerships
Mark Davison, Senior Manager, Planning
Denise Dawson, Senior Manager, Urban Parks
Jackson Hite, Senior Manager, Business Services
Matt Gazdik, Acting Senior Manager, Recreation
Scott Schuttenberg, Deputy Director
Erynn Simone, Senior Manager, Regional Facilities
SUBJECT: Matters from the Department
DATE: April 27, 2026
A.Civic Area Design and Renaming Updates
The intent of this item is to update the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) on
the project status and renaming progress. As the board has authority over naming parks,
this is an opportunity to ensure understanding of the naming process.
QUESTIONS FOR PRAB
•Does PRAB have feedback or questions on the Renaming Process?
•Does PRAB have feedback or questions on the names that came out of this
process?
Background
2022 BPR Department Plan: Key Themes Advanced:
•Community Health and Wellness
•Youth Engagement and Activity
•Community Building
The Civic Area Phase 2 Project builds on the 2015 Park Plan, continuing the
transformation of this important public space into a vibrant hub of urban life, cultural
events and natural connections - while honoring the full history of the area and serving
the Boulder community. Investment in this key downtown space addresses some of the
most dated and highly utilized infrastructure in Boulder’s park system while also
contributing to Boulder’s economic vitality and quality of life. Approved by City Council
with the 2024 budget and following a multi-year engagement and design process, the
investments in the space include replacing dated park infrastructure, improving gathering
areas and transportation connections, building a permanent nature play area, and
festival street enhancements along 13th Street. Funded by the 2021 Community,
Culture, Safety and Resilience (CCRS) tax, construction on these elements is
anticipated to begin in 2027.
During the past two-and-a-half-year process, community input, along with city policy and
research, resulted in a concept plan for the whole park. As shared with PRAB (starts on
page 50) and City Council in Fall 2025 and given current funding that City Council has
approved, Phase 2 improvements are focused within the Central Park area and include
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park amenity improvements, festival street enhancements along 13th Street, multiuse
connections, gathering areas and play elements just south of the Bandshell, as well as
wayfinding and signage throughout the whole park (see Figures 2 and 3). These
enhancements will help support bringing community back to this area, restore space
activation and bring an overall sense of vibrancy back to the urban center of Boulder.
Figure 2: Phase 2 Funded Improvements: Map of the Boulder Civic Area showing the proposed
Phase 2 implementation boundary highlighted in pink on the east side, with multiple pink areas
marking “storytelling moments” and wayfinding elements distributed throughout the park.
Figure 3: Final Schematic Design: Detailed site plan of the East End illustrating festival street,
expanded flexible green space, gateway pavilions, water play area, nature discovery zone, and
connections to surrounding streets and park features.
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Figure 4: Project Schedule
The project timeline in Figure 4 shows the work completed to date for Planning, Concept
and Schematic Design. The project is now moving into the Design Development and
Construction Documentation phase, with construction starting potentially in mid-2027.
The City of Boulder is required to meet all regulatory codes that govern safety, land use
and design standards – this task has been accounted for and is subject to change due to
the complicated and technical nature of this project. Specifically, this project
encompasses parkland that sits adjacent to Boulder Creek and within the High Hazard
boundaries of Boulder’s floodplain, which requires very careful planning to ensure
improvements do not create a flood rise or impede any potential floodwaters. In addition,
the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) must be consulted for floodplain
modifications, and this portion of the federal government is currently shut down. The
team has estimated these processes to the best of their abilities.
Both through renaming and physical renovations, the city aims to create a more
cohesive and vibrant park space in the heart of downtown where all community
members feel welcome.
Mustard’s Last Stand: Recent media coverage has included some inaccurate
information about the status of the city space that is leased to Mustard’s Last Stand. The
impacts to Mustard's are the result of the building being in a high hazard floodplain, not a
desire to redesign the park. The city has been talking publicly and with this business
owner about safety concerns and the need to demolish the building for over a
decade.The city has been talking publicly, and with this business owner, about safety
concerns and the need to demolish the building for over a decade.
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The city recognizes Mustard’s Last Stand as a valued locally owned business. There
may be alternatives for this business in the Civic Area. The city has communicated with
the business owner about their space needs and has started to research alternative
locations to propose. The city has a track record of helping displaced businesses find
suitable location options, including some reasonable relocation cost assistance, as
demonstrated by efforts related to the Hill hotel development project. As a next step, the
Office of Cultural and Economic Development will convene a multi-departmental group
of staff to discuss the situation and meet with the business owner.
Park Renaming: Phase 2 engagement revealed most community members do not use
the term Civic Area and do not understand what space this name refers to or where it is
in the city. Renaming the space gives the community a chance to find a name that best
reflects the values and hopes for this park. This process will include keeping the names
of designated historic landmarks. As shared in the January 2026 PRAB packet (starts on
page 12) introducing this element of the project, the PRAB has authority over park
naming as outlined in the Park Naming Policy.
Building off a collaborative system-wide research project with the University of Colorado-
Boulder History Department, city staff researched the history of names used for this
area. Figure 5 shows the major known formal and informal names used for this space
including: Smith’s Grove, Railroad Park, Central Park, Civic Center and Civic Area.
Since the city adopted the name Civic Area in 2012, the name has not been widely used
by community members.
Figure 5: History of Names for Civic Area
As outlined in the January 2026 PRAB packet, the project team and Growing Up Boulder
worked with teens through the Zonta Club at Boulder High School to brainstorm park
name recommendations. The process builds on successes from the Primos Park project
and highlights the city’s commitment to being a Child-Friendly City, one where young
people’s voices are elevated and reflected in local decision-making.
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In February and March 2026, students participated in five collaborative and creative
sessions to explore how the values and themes expressed in earlier engagement could
be translated into names for the space. Themes included storytelling, arts and culture,
important landmarks and nature. Many of these teens have participated in design
feedback sessions during previous engagements and, with their school situated a short
walk from the park, hold a deep understanding of the project and space. Zonta club
members shared their experience working on the renaming process in this video.
Ultimately, four name recommendations from the Boulder High teens were selected to
move forward for community-wide voting. Several additional name suggestions emerged
through earlier engagement and work with the University of Colorado Boulder’s
Department of Environmental Design. Community members can now weigh-in on their
favorite names to replace “Civic Area”. The eight name ideas are:
• Creekside Park
• Civic Soul Park
• Heart Park
• Sunset Plaza
• Peace Park
• Populus Park
• Boulder Central Park
• Boulder Creek Park
Community members can respond via an online feedback form or in person at BMoCA’s
Dia del niño event on Saturday, April 25, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Bandshell.
Respondents can also suggest additional names. Following community responses, the
project team will review the input on suggested names and any additional ideas received
to inform a recommendation to PRAB for discussion in May and consideration of
approval in June.
NEXT STEPS
The Civic Area Phase 2 improvements are now in the design phase. The PRAB’s next
expected update on the project is Spring 2027.
For park naming, community members can weigh-in online through May 4. The project
team will bring a recommended name to PRAB as an Item for Discussion in May 2026.
The PRAB will consider adopting a new name as an Action Item at the June 2026
meeting.
B. 2027 Budget Development Strategy; 2027 – 2032 Capital Investment Program
The purpose of this item is to orient the PRAB to Boulder Parks and Recreation funding,
introduce the 2027 Budget Development Strategy and to initiate the first touch of the
2027 - 2032 Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
PRAB’s formal role for the budget development comes from the City of Boulder Charter,
Section 160, which describes the board’s functions as:
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(b) Shall make recommendations to the council concerning any expenditure or
appropriation from the permanent park and recreation fund pursuant to Section
161 of this charter
(d) Shall review the city manager's proposed annual budget as it relates
to park and recreation matters and submit its recommendations concerning said
budget to the council.
PRAB holds formal approval authority for expenditures from the Permanent Park and
Recreation Fund and serves an advisory role in shaping Boulder Parks and Recreation’s
(BPR) annual operating budget. Staff will consult with PRAB through the budget
development process with planned PRAB items in May, June, August, and September.
At the September PRAB meeting, the PRAB will consider the City Manager’s
Recommended Budget, and staff will ask for the board to consider 3 motions:
1. Motion to recommend the 2027 City Manager’s Recommended Budget for the
Parks and Recreation Department of $xx million
2. Motion to approve the 2027 recommended expenditures of $x million from the
Permanent Park and Recreation Fund to City Council for Appropriation
3. Motion to recommend the 2027 – 2032 Parks and Recreation Department Capital
Improvement Program (CIP) of $xx million to Planning Board and City Council for
approval and adoption.
BACKGROUND
Each year, BPR staff develops the department budget based on direction from the City
Manager’s Office and the Finance Department. The budget is informed by several
guiding documents, including the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan, the city’s 2024 –
2026 Strategic Plan, the 2022 BPR Department Plan, and other citywide policies such as
Budgeting for Resilience and Equity. Ultimately, City Council is responsible for approving
the budget in October at two public hearings.
As part of the 2027 budget development process, staff will continue to align with the
city’s Long-Term Financial Strategy (LTFS), which is focused on addressing structural
funding gaps, refining fee structures, and identifying sustainable funding approaches
over time. Community engagement associated with the LTFS called Fund Our Future
wrapped up on April 19.
BPR’s financial structure is supported by a diverse portfolio of funding sources, including
dedicated sales and property taxes, user fees, and General Fund support. The history
behind these funds and allowable uses is described on pages 46 and 47 of the 2022
BPR Department Plan. Understanding this range of funding streams is a key first step in
developing the 2027 budget. The approved 2026 BPR Budget is available in the city’s
online budget book, along with BPR’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for 2026–
2031. For a summary of BPR’s primary revenue sources and expenditures in 2026,
please refer to Attachment A: 2026 BPR Sources and Uses of Funds.
General Fund: The city’s General Fund is supported by fees, sales, property, and other
taxes. General Fund dollars are allocated each year to city programs and projects by
City Council through the annual budget process. BPR primarily uses its allocation to fund
park and forestry operations and department administration. The General Fund also
supports a subsidy to the Recreation Activity Fund.
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Permanent Park and Recreation Fund: Funded by property taxes, the fund is
dedicated to acquiring land and renovating or improving existing parks and recreational
facilities. It may not be used to fund daily operations or routine maintenance. This fund is
used primarily for the Capital Investment Program, and supports the operating budget for
Planning, Design & Construction given the nature of this work is on renovating and
improving parks and facilities.
Recreation Activity Fund (RAF): BPR manages the RAF as a social enterprise, with
the goal of meeting cost recovery targets established in the 2023 BPR Fee Policy while
maintaining broad and equitable community access. Any excess revenues are
reinvested to support community benefit programs, including financial assistance for low-
income residents, age-based discounts, and inclusive programming for individuals with
disabilities.
Given its reliance on fee-based revenue, the fund requires close monitoring. In stronger
financial years, surplus revenues are reinvested to expand access and community
benefits; in weaker years, the .25 Cent Sales Tax Fund may provide subsidy support to
help maintain service levels and affordability.
However, as sales tax revenues flatten, this subsidy creates a growing tradeoff between
supporting recreation programs and investing in core system needs such as park
operations, maintenance, and capital improvement projects. Balancing these competing
priorities will be a key consideration in the 2027 budget development process.
.25 Cent Sales Tax Fund (.25ST): This voter-approved sales tax, renewed through
2035, supports the acquisition, development, operation, and maintenance of parks and
recreation facilities.
The fund is increasingly constrained, as sales tax revenues are flattening and not
keeping pace with inflation. It provides both ongoing and contingency subsidies to the
Recreation Activity Fund (RAF) to support community benefit programming and maintain
financial stability. This support creates a key tradeoff: allocating .25 Cent Sales Tax
Fund resources to sustain recreation programs reduces funding available for park
operations, maintenance, and capital investment. Over time, this can contribute to
deferred maintenance and increased long-term costs.
Lottery Fund: The Lottery Fund is a special revenue fund that accounts for state
conservation trust fund monies allocated to local governments based on population.
State conservation trust fund monies are dedicated to parks, recreation, and open space
site maintenance and capital improvements. The city receives lottery money on an
annual basis from the state and allocates money to the department based upon a
percent allocation.
By law, 40% of all state lottery proceeds are directed to the Conservation Trust Fund
(CTF). Local parks and recreation providers receive CTF funding proportionally, based
on population, ensuring that every city, town, county, and special district across
Colorado benefits. These funds must be used for purposes such as open space and
land acquisition, equipment purchases, facility development, park maintenance, and
renovation or restoration of local facilities.
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Other Funds: The department receives additional funding on a limited basis from the
Capital Development Fund, General Fund Capital, Boulder Junction Capital
Improvement Fund and Community, Culture and Safety (CCS) capital improvement
bond (2012 and 2017, which was reapproved by voters in 2021 as the Community,
Culture, Resilience, and Safety tax (CCRS).
These funds are intended for one-time capital investments and should not be considered
ongoing funds. The funding source for each of these varies. BPR only looks at what the
citywide allocation is to BPR for distinct projects in the CIP.
Table 3 – Summary of BPR Funds, identifies for each of the funds whether the funds are
restricted, how the funding mechanism was created, whether it supports capital or
operating dollars, and who is responsible for revenue and expense development.
Fund Restricted
Use
Created By Use Budget Development
Revenue Expense
General* No City Voters Operating
& CIP
Budget Office BPR Staff
Permanent Park
and Recreation
Yes City Voters CIP;
minimal
operating
Budget Office BPR Staff
Recreation
Activity
Quasi City Council Operating BPR Staff BPR Staff
.25 Cent Sales
Tax*
Yes City Voters Operating
& CIP
Budget Office
& BPR Staff
BPR Staff
Lottery* Yes State Voters CIP Budget Office BPR Staff
Capital
Development*
Yes City Council CIP Budget Office BPR Staff
Boulder Junction
Capital
Improvement*
Yes City Council CIP Budget Office BPR Staff
Community,
Culture,
Resilience and
Safety Tax*
Yes City Voters CIP Budget Office BPR Staff
Table 3 – Summary of BPR Funds
* Denotes funds that are shared across multiple budget programs. BPR develops and manages
its portion of expenditures but must coordinate and balance funding decisions with broader
citywide priorities through the help of Budget Office.
To submit a balanced budget, BPR must ensure that each fund remains financially
sustainable, with expenditures being less than revenues over both the current year and
a five-year planning horizon. While operating budgets are expected to balance annually,
capital spending may exceed revenues in a given year due to the planned use of
accumulated fund balances or prior year savings for major investments. Operating
reserves are not intended to fund routine, ongoing expenses. Rather, they are
maintained to address unexpected needs, manage revenue volatility, and ensure
continuity of essential services during emergencies or economic downturns.
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The Finance Department contracts with CU’s Leeds School of Business for citywide
revenue projections. Revenue projections in the RAF are developed in partnership with
the Finance Department, informed by historical visitation and participation and planned
charges for services. Expenditure assumptions are based on historical trends, inflation,
and contractual obligations.
The 2027 budget development process is grounded in the priorities and
recommendations outlined in the 2022 BPR Plan, particularly within the Financial
Sustainability and Taking Care of What We Have themes. Staff are not seeking new
policy direction through the 2027 budget development process. The 2022 BPR Plan
provides clear and comprehensive guidance, informed by extensive community
engagement and formally reviewed by both PRAB and City Council. Instead, the focus of
the 2027 budget is on implementation and alignment with this adopted policy framework
Key strategies include:
• Realign Existing Resources
o Goal 3.1: Establish a transparent process for financial decisions to
communicate to staff and the community.
o How: In a constrained revenue environment, prioritize the highest and best
use of existing funds, which may require service reductions or reallocation.
• Pursue Non-Traditional Funding
o Goal 1.1: Evaluate and pursue non-traditional funding sources.
o How: Explore grants, partnerships, sponsorships, and other innovative
funding sources to supplement limited revenues.
• Prioritize Equitable Access
o Goal 2.1: Employ equity-focused budgeting principles.
o How: Apply equity-based budgeting tools to ensure investments align with
community needs and access goals.
• Refine Fee Structure and Cost Recovery
o Goal 2.5: Regularly assess total cost of services for budgeting and fee
setting.
o Goal 2.6: Track and compare annual cost recovery targets with actuals.
o How: Continue evaluating fees and cost recovery targets to align with service
delivery costs and policy direction.
• Advance Asset Management and Capital Planning
o Goal 2.7: Collaborate with the Budget Office on capital funding strategies.
o Taking Care of What We Have Goal 3: Budget for the operation,
maintenance, and replacement of existing assets.
o How: Update and prioritize capital maintenance needs based on asset
condition, replacement value, and long-term cost of ownership.
These strategies reflect a continued focus on financial sustainability, system
stewardship, and equitable service delivery within the existing policy direction.
BPR Fee Policy Alignment
The 2027 budget development will also be guided by the Attachment B – BPR Fee
Policy, approved by PRAB in July 2023 following extensive community engagement and
PRAB review. The policy establishes a clear framework for pricing services based on the
balance of community and individual benefit, with defined cost recovery targets. A
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simplified version of the Fee Policy is also available on a dedicated webpage to promote
transparency and public understanding for individuals and user groups.
Under this framework, services with broad community benefit are subsidized through
public funding sources and services with primarily individual benefit are expected to
recover the full cost of service through user fees. The policy also reinforces BPR’s
commitment to equitable access, including financial assistance, age-based discounts,
and inclusive programming for individuals with disabilities and low-income residents.
Each year, BPR develops a comprehensive Fee Schedule outlining all service fees and
charges. While PRAB provides input on proposed fees, the Fee Schedule is
implemented administratively under City Manager Rule in accordance with Boulder
Revised Code 8-3-8 (c) and does not require PRAB or City Council approval.
As part of the 2027 budget process, revenue projections and any proposed fee
adjustments will align with the adopted Fee Policy. Staff will keep PRAB informed of
impacts to cost recovery targets and access considerations throughout the process and
will present proposed fee updates in August to provide transparency on pricing changes
and their potential community impacts.
Capital Investment Program
The Capital Investment Program (CIP) is a six-year workplan that prioritizes capital
projects exceeding $50,000 for the acquisition, construction, and major replacement of
BPR assets.
The CIP is primarily funded through the Permanent Park and Recreation Fund, the .25
Cent Sales Tax Fund, and the Lottery Fund. Additional, more limited funding sources,
such as General Fund Capital, Community, Culture, Resilience and Safety Tax (CCRS),
and voter-approved capital funds, are leveraged when available, though these are often
limited in use and not solely controlled by BPR.
To strengthen near-term planning, BPR utilizes a Capital Investment Strategy (CIS),
which identifies a focused two-year implementation plan within the broader six-year CIP.
Informed by the 2022 BPR Plan, asset management data, and system and park planning
efforts, the CIS defines priority projects with clear scope, schedule, cost estimates, and
purpose.
Together, the CIP and CIS provide a framework for balancing immediate needs with
long-term system investment, while aligning limited resources with adopted priorities.
Historically, the CIP has been organized into three categories: asset management, park
renovations, and system planning. As part of the 2027–2032 CIP, staff are proposing
refinements to improve clarity, alignment with asset management practices, and long-
term planning.
CIP Maintenance Fund: Focuses on ongoing investment to “take care of what we
have,” including both major ($50,000+) and minor maintenance. Priorities are informed
by the Asset Management Program, park management plans, and safety considerations.
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Asset Management: Focuses on maintaining, enhancing, or replacing existing assets
by category (e.g., courts, athletic fields, irrigation systems, parking lots, accessibility
improvements, and playgrounds). Prioritization is data-driven, based on condition
assessments and lifecycle needs, with courts being the most current priority and play
areas identified as the next priority.
Park Zone Refreshes: Staff are proposing a new category that organizes capital
planning by geographic zones, generally aligned with subcommunity areas. This
approach is similar to practices used by Utilities and Transportation and Mobility, which
allows BPR to plan and invest holistically across multiple parks within a zone on a
rotating basis over a six-year horizon, recognizing how parks function as a connected
system. Staff will continue with the prioritized park refreshes over the next few years,
transitioning to this new approach in 2029 following the next department plan with
identification of needs and prioritization within this plan.
System Planning: Provides a long-term, systemwide perspective (5+ years), informed
by the 2022 BPR Plan, facility and park plans, and future system planning efforts. This
category supports strategic decision-making on major assets and long-term investment
needs.
Figure 6 – Recommended CIP Workplan Categories below highlights the four
categories and provides a brief description of their purpose.
Figure 6 – Recommended CIP Workplan Categories
The CIP implements the 2022 BPR Department Plan’s priorities for parks and facilities
(see Figures 7 and 8). The department aims to complete all projects listed in the
“fiscally constrained” category; however, it recognizes that economic changes since
2022 have made even some of those targets out of reach with current funding.
As additional one-time funding becomes available, such as CCRS funds for the East
Boulder Community Center renovation and Civic Area Phase 2, BPR can pursue
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“Action” and “Vision” level projects. While there is strong community interest in these
higher-tier amenities, current funding limitations prevent widespread implementation.
Figure 7: Guidance for Park Investments from the 2022 BPR Department Plan
Figure 8: Guidance for Facilities Investments from the 2022 BPR Department Plan
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Rising construction costs and the aging condition of BPR assets continue to place significant
pressure on limited capital resources. As a result, it is unlikely that all projects identified in the
fiscally constrained category of the 2022 BPR Plan can be delivered without additional
funding.
Staff are proactively communicating that some priorities may be delayed or remain unfunded.
This approach aligns with the city’s Long-Term Financial Strategy (LTFS), which is focused
on developing more sustainable and transparent funding solutions for both current needs and
long-term capital investment.
BPR continues to evaluate deferred maintenance and asset replacement needs, and the
backlog of improvements remains significant. Current funding levels are not sufficient to
maintain all assets in good condition, requiring staff to make strategic tradeoffs in project
selection and timing.
To maximize impact of available resources, the department applies industry best practices,
including:
•Project prioritization: Reducing the number of projects to focus on highest-impact
investments
•Value engineering: Refining scope to align with available funding
•Phasing: Delivering projects in stages over time
•Target budgeting: Aligning project scope with realistic funding levels
•Economies of scale: Bundling projects to improve cost efficiency
These strategies are intended to maintain as much of the system as possible in acceptable
condition while advancing priority investments within constrained resources.
PRAB Engagement:
PRAB plays an important advisory role throughout the budget development process,
providing input at key decision points to ensure alignment with community priorities and the
2022 BPR Plan. The following outlines upcoming milestones and PRAB’s role:
May 2026: Staff will share a routine consent item for an Adjustment to Base 1 related to
grants, donations, and carryforward appropriations from the 2026 budget.
PRAB Role: No formal presentation will be given, and questions can be addressed as
part of the consent agenda. Item is provided for informational awareness of additional
2026 revenues received since 2026 budget adoption.
June 2026: Staff will present the department’s proposed budget as a Matters from the
Department item, including revenue and expense projections, potential high level fee
adjustments, and CIP projects. This reflects the preliminary department budget
submitted for internal review by the Executive Budget Team (Finance Department, City
Manager’s Office, and cross-departmental leadership).
PRAB Role: Provide early advisory input on the proposed budget approach to priorities,
including how the budget is balanced in alignment with citywide guidance and the 2022
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BPR Plan. Input received will be shared with Executive Budget Team at budget review
meetings.
August 2026: Staff will present current fees and proposed updates for 2027, including
any significant changes and associated community impacts, in alignment with the 2023
BPR Fee Policy.
PRAB Role: Provide input on the proposed fee structure that revenues are based on.
September 2026: The City Manager’s Recommended Budget will be released by
August 31. Staff will present the recommended BPR budget for PRAB consideration.
PRAB Role: Provide a formal recommendation and action as part of the city’s budget
approval process. PRAB’s input will be shared with City Council for consideration during
public hearings in October.
QUESTIONS FOR THE PRAB:
•Does PRAB have any questions or guidance on its role in the 2027 budget
development process?
•What additional data or information would help PRAB provide informed guidance
throughout the budget process?
Attachments:
A: 2026 BPR Sources and Uses of Funds
B: BPR Fee Policy
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Attachment A: 2026 BPR Sources and Uses of FundsMain1100 - General Fund 2110 - Lottery Fund 2180 - .25 Cent Sales Tax Fund 2300 - Recreation Activity Fund3300 - Permanent Park & Recreation Fund Other Capital FundsDesc.Governmental Fund accounts for the revenues and expenditures necessary to carry out basic governmental activities of the city which are not required to be accounted for in another fund. Special Revenue Fund accounts for State Conservation Trust Fund proceeds to be utilized for the acquisition, development, and maintenance of new conservation sites or for capital improvements or maintenance for recreational purposes on any public site. Special Revenue Fund accounts for earmarked sales tax authorized by the voters in 1995 for Parks & Recreation operating and capital needs. Special Revenue/Quasi-Enterprise Fund to account for fees and services related to the provision of recreation, reservoir and golf course services/programs.Capital Improvement Fund accounts for dedicated property tax for the acquisition of park land or permanent improvements of park and recreation facilities.Other Capital Improvement Funds account for the permanent improvements of park and recreation facilities.Summary of Sources of Funds$6,489,602$1,500,000$11,954,344$15,558,582$4,758,732$4,500,000City wide fund comprised of: • Sales Tax• Property Tax• Fees• Other taxes (accommodations, admission, etc.)• State of Colorado distributes revenue to entities on a per capita basis • Parks & Recreation receives a portion of the City of Boulder's annual contribution. Remainder shared with Open Space & Mountain Parks and Greenways.• Fund specific to Parks & Recreation• Approved by voters in 1995 for a 20 year period was extended by voters with an approval of 85% through 2035.• Fund specific to Parks & Recreation • Grants/donations, user and participation fees • Subsidy transfer provided by the General Fund and .25 Cent Sales Tax Fund for community benefit programming• Fund specific to Parks & Recreation• The City of Boulder receives $.14 of every property tax $ collected in City of Boulder. Out of the $.14, Parks & Recreation receives $.01• Support Parks & Recreation CIP• Parks & Recreation receives a portion of the City of Boulder's annual contribution based on approved CIP for one-time projects. Summary of Uses of Funds$6,489,602$1,500,000$12,217,202$15,464,369$4,221,134$4,500,000Operations and Maintenance• General Park Maintenance & Management• Playground and Shelter Maintenance• Horticulture, Turf and Irrigation Maintenance• Pearl St. Mall and Boulder Creek Path• Trash and Snow Removal• Forestry • Urban Ranger Program• Historic AssetsAdministrative Support Services• Office of the Director• Business and Financial Management• PRAB SupportCapital Improvements• CIP Maintenance• Park Zone Refresh & Asset Management Cat.• System PlanningOperations and Maintenance• General Park Maintenance & Mgmt.• Horticulture, Turf and Irrigation Maint.• Forestry• Natural LandsRegional Facilities• Valmont City ParkAdministrative Support ServicesVolunteer Services & Partnerships• Special Events• Community Outreach & VolunteerismRenovation and RefurbishmentCapital Improvements• CIP Maintenance• Park Zone Refresh & Asset Management Cat.• System PlanningCost AllocationRecreation Facilities• East, North & South Recreation Centers• Aquatics (Indoor & Outdoor Pools)• Health & Wellness • Admin Support & MarketingRecreation Services• Gymnastics • Camps• Sports and Sports Turf (Ballfield Maintenance)• Contracted programs Regional Facilities• Boulder Reservoir• Flatirons Golf CourseAccess & Inclusion• Therapeutic Recreation (EXPAND)• Youth Services InitiativeAcquisition and Development• Acquisition of Park Land• Planning• Park Development/Construction• ConstructionRenovation and RefurbishmentCapital Improvements• CIP Maintenance• Park Zone Refresh & Asset Management Cat.• System PlanningCost Allocation 2026 Funds• Community, Culture, Resilience, and Safety Tax - Civic Area Phase II, Pearl Street Mall Refresh2025 Carryforward Funds• Boulder Junction - Pocket Park• Capital Development Fund - Primos ParkRestrictionsThe General Fund allocation supports basic functions of Parks and Recreation. Note: The General Fund Subsidy allocation dedicated for Recreation is provided through an annual transfer to the Recreation Activity Fund.Funding can be used to acquire, develop, or maintain conservation areas, as well as for capital improvements and maintenance of public recreation sites.Supports park maintenance, facility and park renovations, and maintenance of recreation facilities. Also provides a subsidy to the Recreation Activity Fund to support community access and benefit programs.The department manages its expenses and receives revenue from grants, donations, and user fees for recreation, reservoir, and golf services. It also relies on support from the General Fund and the .25 Cent Sales Tax Fund to provide community benefit programs.Appropriations of the fund must be approved by the PRAB. The fund shall not be used for any purpose other than for the acquisition of park land or permanent improvements of park and recreation facilities. Funds can only be used for approved projects; and have certain restrictions based on the funding sources.Parks & Recreation 5 Main Funds - 2026 Approved - Sources: $44.8 Million / Uses: $44.4 MillionGeneral Fund$6,489,602100%Dept Admin $1,085,57817%Planning & Construction$47,6141%Park Operations $3,903,50260%Natural Resources, …Colorado Lottery Fund$1,500,000100%Sales and Use Tax$11,569,978…Interest$304,3662%Valmont City Park$80,0001%Natural Resources$1,604,47913%Park Operations$2,810,24023%Dept Admin$1,228,26…Volunteer Svc & Partnership $660,2635%Valmont City Park$557,3035%R&R$250,0002%CIP $535,0004%Planning & Construction$793,0767%Admin Allocation & Transfers$3,778,573…Recreation Facilities$4,669,24230%Recreation Services$2,995,72019%Access & Inclusion$225,0001%Golf $2,361,91415%Reservoir $1,665,00011%Transfers - General Fund Subsidy, $1,377,7139%Other Transfers$2,122,55114%Other Revenues$141,4423%Recreation Facilities$7,824,53351%Recreation Services$2,785,97218%Access & Inclusion$1,162,4987%Golf $2,166,31714%Reservoir $1,397,1029%Facility Operations$127,947<1%Property Tax$4,570,00096%Interest$188,732<1%Planning & Construction$1,578,74637%Park Operations$128,4383%R&R$151,6044%CIP, $1,925,00046%Admin Allocation & Transfers$437,34610%CIP$1,500,000100%Bldr Junction $00%CDET $0 0%CCRS$4,500,000100%Bldr Junction $0 0%CDET $0 0%CCRS$4,500,000100%4/21/202632
3198 North Broadway • Boulder, Colorado 80304-2644
TEL 303-413-7200
www.BoulderParks-Rec.org Page1 Policy Title Boulder Parks & Recreation Fee Policy
Administrative Policy
Number
05-02
Effective Date July 24, 2023
Last Amended N/A
Review Cycle Every 2 years
Inactive/Repealed N/A
Primary Audience BPR Staff and Supervisors with Fee Based programs
Policy Sponsor Jackson Hite, Parks and Recreation Sr. Manager – Business
Services
Director Approval Alison Rhodes, Parks and Recreation Director
Related Policies
Included Procedures,
Workflows, or other
materials
I.Purpose of Policy:
The purpose of the fee policy is to establish clear and consistent guidance for how fees are set
and subsidies are awarded. In establishing a fee policy, BPR intends to create a standard
approach for all fees collected, develop transparent fee categories and definitions of the types of
access or programs which are subject to various fees, and create clear cost recovery targets.
The Fee Policy should be applied equitably to all programs, with an understanding that
additional support may be provided based on General Fund Subsidy as called for in the 2022
Parks and Recreation Plan. In determining the subsidy levels, BPR will provide subsidies based
on the level of funding available and the level of community benefit each program provides.
II.Background:
The City of Boulder Parks and Recreation Department promotes the health and well-being of
the entire Boulder community by collaboratively providing high quality parks, facilities and
programs.
BPR operates from five primary funds. These funds are the Recreational Activity Fund (RAF),
.25 Cent Sales Tax Fund (.25ST), General Fund, Permanent Park and Recreation Fund, and
Lottery Fund.
Recreation Activity Fund: A special revenue/quasi-enterprise fund that is specific to the Parks
and Recreation Department. The fund is the primary funding mechanism used to support
recreation centers and facilities and subsidize fees for services related to the provision of
recreation, reservoir and golf course services/programs that do not cover all their direct costs.
This fund is supported through user and participation fees, grants and donations, and an annual
subsidy transfer from the General Fund.
.25 Cent Sales Tax Fund: A special revenue fund that is specific to the Parks and Recreation
Department. The fund is primarily supported through a designated sales tax that was approved
by voters in 1995. In 2013 voters renewed the sales tax through 2035, with 85% of votes
supporting the tax. The fund supports multiple aspects of the department, including operations
Attachment B: BPR Fee Policy
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3198 North Broadway • Boulder, Colorado 80304-2644
TEL 303-413-7200
www.BoulderParks-Rec.org Page2 and maintenance, administrative support services, renovation and refurbishment, and capital
improvements.
General Fund: The city’s largest fund that serves as the primary funding source for most
governmental services. BPR uses its portion for park operations, forestry and department
administration. The general fund is mostly supported through a blend of taxes, permits, fees,
and intergovernmental transfers. As a result of the fund’s heavy reliance on tax revenue and
pressure from other departments, the fund’s revenues, and ability to contribute to the
department’s budget can fluctuate, although it has been relatively stable over the years.
Permanent Park and Recreation Fund: A fund specific to the Parks and Recreation
department, this source of funding is permanent according to the City of Boulder’s charter and is
supported through earmarked property taxes, with the Parks and Recreation Department
receiving $0.01 for every dollar of property tax collected by Boulder County. These funds are
limited to the acquisition or permanent improvement of parkland, renovations, and refurbishment
of recreation facilities, and is a source of funds for capital improvements.
Lottery Fund: A special revenue fund that accounts for State Conversation Trust proceeds that
are distributed to municipalities on a per capita basis. Money from the Lottery Fund must be
used only for the acquisition, development, and maintenance of new conservation sites or for
capital improvements or maintenance for recreational purposes on any public site.
III.Definitions:
Residency:
Resident: any individual who lives at an address located within the City of Boulder
service area.
Non-Resident: any individual who lives outside of the City of Boulder.
Resident/Worker: individuals who live or work in the City of Boulder are eligible for
Resident/Worker rates for facility entry. Resident or non-resident status applies for all
other types of programs.
Age Based Fee Groupings:
Youth: participants between 3 and 18 years old.
Adult: participants between 19 and 59 years old.
Senior: participants who are over the age of 60.
Household: any adults, seniors or youth residing at the same address. Proof of address
is required and no more than 8 members aged 19 or older.
Costing Definitions:
Attachment B: BPR Fee Policy
34
3198 North Broadway • Boulder, Colorado 80304-2644
TEL 303-413-7200
www.BoulderParks-Rec.org Page3 Cost Recovery: the collection of revenue to pay for the direct and/or indirect costs of
providing a service or program. The level of cost recovery will vary based upon the
service, type of program, program category benefit level, targeted skill level, market
costs and other factors.
Direct Costs: The costs directly related or attributed to providing a specific service.
Direct costs include staff time, materials and supplies directly related to providing the
service.
Indirect Costs: Costs incurred across the department that are not directly attributed to a
specific service but benefits the department as a whole. Indirect costs typically include
marketing expenses, software, utilities, space allocation, and management staff that
support a variety of services or programs.
Market Analysis: A point-in-time analysis or survey of prices charged by other
agencies, public and private for a similar service. Market Analysis is typically limited to
benchmark communities, local private business and non-profit organizations.
Subsidy: Funding provided by the city to offset the costs of a service to support a higher
level of community benefit. Based upon community input, subsidies are typically
awarded to programs that support low-income residents, people with disabilities, older
adults and youth.
Discounts: Discounts may be provided associated with marketing and/or volume-based
discounting to provide benefits to participants who are regularly using a service or
program.
Program Benefit Categories:
Attachment B: BPR Fee Policy
35
3198 North Broadway • Boulder, Colorado 80304-2644
TEL 303-413-7200
www.BoulderParks-Rec.org
Page4
Community: Services that enhance the health, safety and livability of the community
and therefore require minimal obstacles to participation.
Recreation: Services that benefit a broad range of users and are targeted to promote
physical and mental well-being.
Individual: Services targeted to specific individuals or user groups with limited
community benefit.
IV. Policy:
The Department of Parks and Recreation’s Fee Policy represents a standardized approach to
program categorization and definitions, while aligning a clear subsidy level based on the level of
community benefit provided. Fees are an efficient and equitable way to distribute the costs
associated with providing services that exceed the ability of the tax base to support the costs.
This comprehensive policy will promote community understanding with clear fee practices and
financial sustainability. This Fee Policy was developed through the documentation of previous
policy guidance from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, includes guidance received
from the 2022 Parks and Recreation Plan, along with significant input from the Parks and
Recreation Advisory Board, Community Connectors in Residence and City Council. This Fee
Policy identifies and informs the program types and a consistent method to assign services to
those types and includes the appropriate benefit level of subsidy and cost recovery target that
should be achieved. Tax subsidy provided each year from the General Fund and/or other
sources such as .25 Cent Sales Tax Fund should be allocated in a way that supports the cost
recovery targets based on available funding, which then directs the corresponding pricing
strategy each year.
The concept of cost recovery involves setting fees based on the total cost of providing the
service and factors in the program category benefit level so that the total funding received
(Taxes and User Fees) equals the total cost of providing a particular service. This is critical to
the financial sustainability of public parks and recreation.
V. Procedure:
The department will review fees and charges for all programs and services along with cost
recovery performance at least every two years as part of the annual citywide budget
development process. Once the cost to provide services is analyzed, each service area will
review cost recovery performance compared to stated goals within the Fee Policy. Total cost of
service as well as the department’s Service Delivery Model, market analysis, and feedback from
staff and participants, will inform any recommendations to the Department Director to update
fees.
The Department’s pricing strategy is based on several considerations:
• Level of Community Benefit
• Supply and Demand
• Market Comparisons
• Residency/Non-residency priority
Attachment B: BPR Fee Policy
36
3198 North Broadway • Boulder, Colorado 80304-2644
TEL 303-413-7200
www.BoulderParks-Rec.org
Page5 • Age-based prioritization with an emphasis on youth and seniors
• Accessibility and health promotion
• Value of Program (availability of alternative providers, quality of program)
• Cost recovery philosophy
• Availability of subsidy to support age-based discount, community benefit recreation and
financial aid.
Each activity will be sorted into a program type. Each program type will have a minimum cost
recovery rate and a target cost recovery rate. Programs that are being introduced will likely be
at the minimum cost recovery rate; over the lifecycle of the program, the goal will be to achieve
the target cost recovery rate. While setting rates, staff must evaluate market rates and demand
for the activity to determine price sensitivity for any proposed price adjustments. If the price is
too high and/or there is little demand for the program, staff must consider the feasibility of
reducing costs, reducing fees or propose the elimination of the program. To minimize impacts to
participants, fee increases may be limited to 10% in a year for any community or recreation level
programs. Fee increases may be phased in over a 2-to-3-year period to minimize impacts to
participants.
When establishing fees, BPR will support fees that the market will bear, even if this exceeds the
cost recovery targets. Additionally, BPR will not undercut the market as it is not a good use of
subsidy and jeopardizes the overall health of the market. Programs with high demand should
also evaluate fee increases to improve cost recovery. Both tactics will allow the department to
reinvest in other program areas with lower cost-recovery goals, in turn allowing the department
to reduce the reliance on tax subsidy and reinvest in priority programs. During future updates to
the Fee Policy, BPR will adjust the cost recovery targets accordingly based on actual
performance.
To ensure there is equitable access for populations the community has prioritized, the
department will continue to subsidize access for low-income individuals, people with disabilities,
youth and seniors. The department is committed to maintaining financial aid programs to
qualifying Boulder residents, providing subsidized access to facilities and programs, as funding
allows.
All fee updates will be reviewed annually by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and for
consideration by City Council with the adoption of the operating budget each year. The City
Manager shall give notice regarding changes in fees by filing a schedule of fees with the City
Clerk and displaying the changed fees on the City’s website. Increases shall not take effect until
at least two weeks have passed since notice was given. Fees shall be in effect as of the
effective date specified in the schedule.
Fees may be temporarily discounted or reduced through special promotional pricing as warranted.
The City Manager may reduce fees from time to time as market conditions warrant, and may also
raise them again, so long as the fee never exceeds that specified in the fee schedule.
Attachment B: BPR Fee Policy
37
3198 North Broadway • Boulder, Colorado 80304-2644
TEL 303-413-7200
www.BoulderParks-Rec.org
Page6
Below are the program types with associated category benefit level and cost recovery target
goals, definitions and examples of activities. These are examples of various types: they are not
all-inclusive lists and program offerings change over time.
Program
Type
Program
Category
Benefit
Level
Cost
Recovery
Program Definition Examples of
Services Included
Open Access Community 0% Access to parks, park
amenities, pathways and
natural areas. Open
access allows for self-
directed activity and does
not include supervision
or oversight by staff.
Pocket,
neighborhood, and
community parks,
skateparks,
playgrounds, multi-
use paths, non-
reserved outdoor
courts, dog-parks
Grants,
Philanthropy
& Donations
Community Grants, philanthropy and
donations which further
the mission of the
department by providing
outside funding for a
specific focus which
increases access and/or
removes barriers to
participation
Health Equity Funds,
Grants, Memorial
Benches, Tree
Donations, Project
Specific Donations
Special
Events
Community 10%+ Large-scale events that
appeal to a broad portion
of the community.
Snow Much Fun,
Holiday Lights
Recreation 70%+ Large-scale events
produced by the
department and/or city
intended for a specific
demographic within the
community.
Drive-in movies,
Sweetheart Dances,
Halloween Carnival
Individual 100%+ Large-scale events with
pre-registration required
for a niche market or
specific interest.
Typically provided by
non-department
organization
Organized races
Recreation
Services
Community 50%+ Foundational classes,
leagues and workshops
which include instruction
Facility childcare,
beginner level sports,
fitness orientations,
Attachment B: BPR Fee Policy
38
3198 North Broadway • Boulder, Colorado 80304-2644
TEL 303-413-7200
www.BoulderParks-Rec.org
Page7 and the primary goal of
introducing participants
to basic skills at a “learn
to” level; programs which
facilitate access to other
program types
EXPAND programs,
Youth Services
Initiative (YSI),
aquatics clinics
Recreation 70%+ Classes, leagues, clinics
and workshops with
instruction provided at an
intermediate level
Intermediate level
sports, enrichment
classes, youth sport
leagues, camps
Individual 100%+ Classes, leagues, clinics
and workshops with
instruction provided at an
advanced level of
training and
development; private or
semi-private setting to
meet unique needs of an
individual or small group
Advanced level
sports, specialty
fitness, adult sports
leagues, competitive
team events, boating
Facility Entry Recreation 90%+ Access to recreation
centers, indoor & outdoor
pools, outdoor swim
beaches and passive
recreation at Boulder
Reservoir where
monitored access is
provided for self-directed
activity with general
supervision and
oversight provided by
department staff
Facility admission,
drop-in classes, swim
beach, passive
recreation at Boulder
Reservoir
Resale Items Individual 100%+ Consumable and non-
consumable goods
available for purchase
Swim diapers, locks,
food or concessions,
clothing, pro-shop
items
Contracted
Programming
Individual 100%+ Registered programs
offered by a non-
city/department agency
that operate under a
revenue share/profit split
Specialty summer
camps, Tennis
lessons
Golf Course Individual 100%+ Utilization of golf course
and related amenities
Driving range, rounds
of golf, cart rentals,
tournaments
Rentals Individual 100%+ Space, facility,
equipment, park and
shelter reservations for a
Field rentals, court
rentals, facility
rentals, shelter
rentals, lane rentals,
Attachment B: BPR Fee Policy
39
3198 North Broadway • Boulder, Colorado 80304-2644
TEL 303-413-7200
www.BoulderParks-Rec.org Page8 use by an individual,
group or organization.
private access
rentals
Commercial
Use
Individual 100%+ Fee based instruction,
education, care or
supervision on park land
provided by an individual,
group or organization.
Yoga in a park,
summer camps or
nature programs held
exclusively at a park.
Attachments:
•Attachment A – Parks and Recreation Department Fee Schedule
Attachment B: BPR Fee Policy
40
3198 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80304 | www.boulderparks-rec.org | O: 303-413-7200
TO: Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
SUBJECT: Matters from the Board
DATE: April 27, 2026
A. PRAB Handbook Public Comment Amendment
In accordance with the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) Handbook, any
recommended revisions to the PRAB Handbook must be provided in writing to both PRAB
and the City Attorney’s Office at least 15 days before the meeting at which a vote may be
taken. PRAB will be asked to vote on the proposed revisions at the May meeting. If the
changes are approved, the updated handbook language will take effect beginning with the
June meeting. The current language and the proposed updated language are included
below for reference.
Section F. Public Comment Current Language:
Public comment allows members of the public to speak to the board on matters that concern
BPR or PRAB business not otherwise scheduled for a hearing in the agenda. Instructions for
public comment are provided on the PRAB's web page, which is managed by the City of
Boulder. Speakers must sign up to speak to the board by a certain time before the
meeting.
The PRAB may, by majority vote, allow members of the public to speak to the PRAB at a
meeting even if the speaker failed to follow the instructions for public comment. It has been
the practice of the PRAB to allow speakers to address the board even if they fail to follow
those instructions unless the speaker has repeatedly failed to follow such instructions.
Following public comment, the chair shall ask for and allow discussion from the board on
any matters raised during public comment. Any member of the PRAB may also ask that
BPR staff address a specific issue raised during public comment. The chair may also, at his
or her discretion, ask that a representative of the Department, usually the Director, to follow
up with a specific speaker or speakers concerning matters raised during public comment.
Proposed Updated Language (changes noted in bold):
Public comment allows members of the public to speak to the board on matters that concern
BPR or PRAB business not otherwise scheduled for a hearing in the agenda. Instructions for
public comment are provided on the PRAB's web page, which is managed by the City of
Boulder. Members of the public may sign up to speak either in advance or during the
public comment portion of the meeting. Each speaker is allotted two minutes to
address the board, and there is no overall time limit for the public comment period.
The PRAB may, by majority vote, allow members of the public to speak to the PRAB at a
meeting even if the speaker failed to follow the instructions for public comment. It has been
the practice of the PRAB to allow speakers to address the board even if they fail to follow
those instructions unless the speaker has repeatedly failed to follow such instructions.
41
3198 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80304 | www.boulderparks-rec.org | O: 303-413-7200
Following public comment, the chair shall ask for and allow discussion from the board on
any matters raised during public comment. Any member of the PRAB may also ask that
BPR staff address a specific issue raised during public comment. The chair may also, at his
or her discretion, ask that a representative of the Department, usually the Director, to follow
up with a specific speaker or speakers concerning matters raised during public comment.
Additional Public Comment Procedure Updates
In addition to the handbook amendment, staff will implement two operational updates in
June to align more closely with City Council’s public comment practices and improve clarity
for community members. Advance sign‑up will close at 12 p.m. on the day of the meeting
instead of 4 p.m. to allow staff adequate preparation time – this is important to support
hybrid public participation where people engage both in person and virtually. Advance
sign‑up will also shift from email to a Formstack online form, mirroring City Council’s process
and providing clearer instructions and consistency for community members and more
reliable access for staff. These operational updates do not require a handbook amendment
and are provided for PRAB’s awareness. All updates, including the handbook revision and
these operational changes, will take effect beginning with the June meeting.
B. PRAB Matters (Verbal)
42